Double Decker Bus Pilot: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is AC Transit testing this bus?
Ridership has been growing, and one way to accommodate that growth economically is to purchase larger buses. This double decker bus can accommodate 80 seated passengers, whereas our standard 40-foot buses accommodate up to 36 and our articulated buses (with the accordion mid-section) accommodate up to 52. Even our commuter coaches (the big, green MCIs) seat only 57, and these are phasing into retirement.

Are public transit agencies elsewhere in the country using these buses? Yes, the Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 is operated by Community Transit in Seattle, Unitrans in Davis, and RTC in Las Vegas.

How did you choose the bus lines for the pilot?
We chose transbay lines from each area of the District that have heavy ridership and where there were few (if any) overhead obstacles, such as low-hanging tree branches. (Cities assisted with tree-trimming in a few locations.) For local-service testing, we looked for a line with heavy ridership that operates every day.

Are AC Transit drivers trained to drive double decker buses?A select number of very experienced operators have been trained to drive the bus during the pilot period. The vehicle operates similarly to a standard, 40-foot bus.

Is the bus accessible to people with disabilities?Yes, the bus is low-floor (no steps to board) and complies with all accessibility requirements. A ramp deploys from the front door and there are two wheelchair securement areas.

Does the bus have a bike rack?
Yes, a two-slot bike rack is mounted on the front. As on our other buses, only folding bicycles are allowed inside the bus.

Do double decker buses require more time for passengers to get on and off?
This is one of the aspects we’re looking at closely. Data on “dwell time,” the time the bus spends at each stop, will be collected via the bus’ satellite communication system. The working assumption is that dwell time will be more impacted on local service—with many stops, and constant boarding and alighting—than on transbay service, which typically has fewer stops and the passenger flow is either mostly on or mostly off, not both at the same stop.

Are there any special rules for riding this bus?
Yes. We’re asking passengers to watch their step as they use the stairs to and from the upper deck; not to use the stairs (up or down) when the bus is in motion; and to remain seated on the upper deck when the bus is in motion. Upper deck passengers will push the stop buttons in advance of their stop, as usual, but will stay seated until the bus stops. Ambassadors will ensure that everyone has the time they need to exit the bus.

Is it possible for the bus to roll over or be unbalanced if the upper deck is full?The bus is designed with a low center of gravity, so even if the upstairs is at capacity, the bus will not tip.

What about stability in high winds, like those we get sometimes on the Bay Bridge?The buses are actually more stable than our big, green commuter buses (MCIs) because the double decker has a lower center of gravity. In addition, these buses are tested in very windy conditions on bridges in Scotland, and the North Atlantic experiences much higher winds than the Bay Area.

Has AC Transit already decided to buy double decker buses?There is no plan at this point. That’s what this pilot will help us determine. Staff will prepare a report of findings and present it to the Board of Directors later this spring. That report may or may not recommend purchase.

How much does a double decker bus cost?
The estimated cost is $850,000-$900,00 each. Actual costs would vary depending on the features selected (e.g., seat type and configuration, heating and air conditioning).

Where are these buses made?
This bus was manufactured in Scotland and England. However, the buses for the U.S. market are manufactured in Nappannee, Indiana, where Alexander Dennis is currently fulfilling an order for Community Transit in Washington State.

If AC Transit decides to buy these buses, when would they go into service?
There’s a bid process that would take place, followed by the award of a contract. Then typically it takes 12-18 months for new buses to be manufactured and delivered. So the earliest we would see double deckers, if a decision is made to purchase them, would be in 2017.

Does this bus have wifi?
This test bus does not, but if AC Transit purchased double decker buses for use in transbay service, the buses would be equipped with free wifi.

Where can I catch a ride on this bus?Check out the full schedule. In general, on weekdays 2/23 through 3/6, the bus will operate on transbay lines U, FS, and L. On the weekends, the bus will operate on local Line 51B. During the final weekdays, 3/9-13, the bus will operate on Line 51B and transbay Line J.

Will the bus be on public display at any locations during the pilot?Yes. On Wednesday, 2/25, the bus will be outside AC Transit’s General Offices at 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland, from 10:30am to 5:30pm. And on Friday, 2/27, as well as Monday-Friday, 3/2-3/6, the bus will be stationed at the Transbay Temporary Terminal at Beale and Howard streets, San Francisco, from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

If I have comments to make about this bus, how can I do that?If you get a chance to ride the bus or see it at one of the display locations, please fill out the paper survey available from the ambassador on board. You can also email your comments to double-decker@actransit.org or call (510) 891-4764.